Trailer of Amy Winehouse doc debuts at pre-Grammy brunch

MESFIN FEKADU

Feb. 08, 2015

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Universal Music Group's pre-Grammy brunch featured performances by its top-selling stars, Sam Smith and Iggy Azalea, and a sneak peak at the upcoming Amy Winehouse documentary.

The record company on Saturday debuted a close-to-complete trailer of "Amy," which is due in theaters later this year. The minute-long video featured photos and video of the late singer as well as audio from an interview where she talked about becoming famous.

Universal Music UK CEO and Chairman David Joseph said the trailer would be released in a month or so, but he wanted to debut it ahead of the Grammys because the 2008 awards show marked history when Winehouse won five honors, including song and record of the year.

Winehouse died in 2011 from accidental alcohol poisoning at age 27.

"About two years ago we decided to make a movie about her — her career and her life," he said. "It's a very complicated and tender movie. It tackles lots of things about family and media, fame, addiction, but most importantly, it captures the very heart of what she was about, which is an amazing person and a true musical genius."

Joseph said the film would be in theaters in July or September.

Winehouse was signed to Republic Records, one of the many labels that are part of the UMG umbrella. Its other labels include Def Jam, Island, Capitol and Interscope Records, and its roster includes Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Eminem.

Azalea, who is nominated for four Grammys, kicked off the artists showcase with a performance of "Fancy," and Smith followed with "Nirvana" and "Stay With Me." Smith is the top nominee with six nominations heading into Sunday's ceremony, along with Beyonce and Pharrell.

"I'm so happy to be singing today," Smith told the crowd. "It's good to keep my mind off of what's going to happen tomorrow by singing, so thanks for having me."

His nominations include album, song and record of the year.

The Weeknd performed his new single, "Earned It," from the "Fifty Shades of Grey" soundtrack, while Maroon 5 closed the event held at The Theatre at Ace Hotel.

The brunch, hosted by UMG CEO Lucian Grainge, is in its third year. Other performers included Keith Urban, Fall Out Boy, Shawn Mendes, Tori Kelly, James Bay, Ryn Weaver, Maddie & Tae, and the mother-and-son duo Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear.